Winning blend for a career

AFC Wimbledon and Southfields Academy have forged an exciting new partnership to offer promising 16-year-olds a great opportunity to develop their footballing talents.

As well as boosting your football skills, successful completion offers a superb 3 x A-level equivalent and university entry level education.

The new partnership with Southfields will allow players to train three times a week with our professional academy coaches and be educated all on the same site, utilising excellent facilities at Southfields Academy, which is situated close to Plough Lane.

.Your CareerTo celebrate our link-up with Southfields Academy, we’ve put together a video and this can be viewed on our official You Tube channel by clicking on

“We’ve been talking to Southfields for a few months now about how we can work together and we’re delighted to roll-out this new Football & Education Programme with Jackie and her team. It was clear from minute one that Southfields really look after students and work hard to get the best for them. This fits in with our core values so I’m very confident about the quality of the programme the boys will receive next season.” Jeremy Sauer, AFC Wimbledon Academy Manager, said:

We’re looking to recruit around 24 players for next season. Ideal candidates must not only be talented footballers, but also be dedicated to their education and have a good attitude while representing the club and Southfields Academy. Those who make the grade will be part of an excellent programme and play games against the likes of Chelsea, Watford, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Reading and Leyton Orient. The recruitment process has already begun with trials before Christmas, but there are more planned in February half-term – details below.

It is paramount that we equip these young men with the skills they need whichever path they choose to take in their futures. It is really important to recognise the relationship between success at football and in education. “We are very excited about our partnership with AFC Wimbledon. Jackie Valin, Southfields Academy Principal, said:

I can see that this is the beginning of a long lasting and positive relationship between Southfields Academy and AFC Wimbledon.” “We are looking forward to seeing the young men doing really well in both their football and their academic studies and will work together to do all we can to ensure this happens.

The next trials dates are Sunday 21 February 2016 at Southfields Academy.